Do you hear music as you ride?

I\’ve noticed enough riders who have an iPod (or whatever) blaring away. Last Saturday, during my long ride, bits of music starting drifting through my head. It took a few minutes for me to remember that it was Homage March. I couldn\’t remember how the piece began, and had to find a YouTube to listen to!

Do you hear birdsong along the way? That\’s one of the things I enjoy most about long rides; and if I have music playing during my rides, I probably won\’t hear the birds. It\’s worth it to keep alert for that; you might learn some surprising things. I sure was astonished to discover that bald eagles sing!

Even without a radio going, I often don\’t notice other riders coming up from behind. A bicycle with time-trial wheels is often easier to hear, because those wheels cause a whirring sound; but of course not every bicycle is thus equipped. Mine isn\’t!

I like to hear my own thoughts as I ride. On-bike conversation would be hard, because I still can\’t maintain a 12-14 mph clip and talk. At any rate, it doesn\’t feel like I could! I rather envy riders who can pedal and chatter away at the same time.

What about weather sounds? Riding causes wind noise; and lightning has to be too close for comfort before I can hear the thunder. It isn\’t a comfortable situation. Last Saturday I was rather worried about that. The sky looked quite stormy, but I was lucky and got only a few drops.

What do you like to hear as you ride? Keep your ears open; you never know what you might hear!